SERENITY IN SIKKIM

DISCOVER HIGH-ALTITUDE LUXURY AT THE TAJ GURAS KUTIR RESORT & SPA WITH ITS DESIGN-CENTRIC SPACES, INDULGENT AMENITIES, AND JAW-DROPPING VIEWS OF THE MAJESTIC KANCHENJUNGA

- PIYALI SEN

THE LOW HARMONIC hum from the monk reverberates through the air as the sunset covers the mountains with darkness. Candles flicker against gilded paintings on the walls, and incense wafts from burners. People cluster around as the lamp is lit and prayers are offered to Kanchenjunga, a powerful force in local culture. I sink deep into the lounge chair as the butter lamp lighting ceremony at the Taj Guras Kutir Resort & Spa helps to melt away fatigue and kinks—a result of the drive from the Bagdogra airport.

Outside, a stiff wind makes the trees rustle under the starlight early evening. The subtly lit lounge has windows and doors overlooking the mountain ranges. People sip drinks, read books, and talk, surrounded by classic woodwork panelling and décor that exudes an air of luxurious minimalism while scattered objets d’art provide plenty of character.

These guys understand what it takes to create atmosphere, I think. It reminds me of a scene from an Agatha Christie novel set in a ski resort.

ONLY THE SNOW-CLAD PEAKS ARE MISSING